What’s in a claim? Geocentricity puts bands on the map

You likely here incarnations of the above at local concerts. Why? Geocentricity ties the local scene together, and bands that identify themselves with the locale have a jumpstart on connecting with their audiences. Across musical genres, tastes and styles, geography unites us.

My favorite band while I was attending Western Washington University was Chuckanut Drive. One of my favorite Tacoma rock bands is Point Defiance. You can both eat and listen to Fresh Cherries from Yakima. Of course, bands don’t need to be so literal in their identification with the geography, but it doesn’t hurt.

One of my favorite verses in hip hop last year was from local rapper Macklemore who says in “North by Northwest (Jake One Remix)”: “We need KUBE like we need to build another stadium.”

That line speaks volumes. First, Macklemore knocks Top 40 urban radio station KUBE 93 for not supporting local hip hop, and then he comments on the recent, substantial investments into professional arenas in this region and the unlikelihood that Key Arena, Husky Stadium and potentially an entirely new stadium will/should receive funding.

As a local guy, I feel that statement.

I still remember the first time I heard Kurt Cobain groan, “Our favorite patient, a display patience, disease-covered Puget Sound” on first listen to “In Utero” and thinking, “Yeah, I don’t consider Puget Sound much of a swimming pool.” The verse immediately resonated with me because I identify with Puget Sound (and its pollutants).

Local bands looking to get off the ground should consider keep geocentricity in mind and consider referencing the region in name, lyrics, marketing, etc., as appropriate. After all, your most immediate, accessible audiences are your neighbors.